Circumstantial evidence suggests a contribution of cytokines in the pathogenesis of autoimmune skin blistering diseases (G Ital Dermatol Venereol, 2009). However, functional data showing a contribution of cytokines in these diseases has been lacking. Thus, we here investigated the functional consequences of cytokine modulation in experimental models of autoimmune skin blistering, focusing on epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). In his work Unni Samavedam focused on the contribution of IL-6 and GM-CSF to (mainly) the effector phase of experimental EBA.

He completed his thesis in October 2013.

The data obtained during his work was published in the Journal of Autoimmunity. He is continuing his work at the Department of Dermatology in Lübeck, focusing on cytokine-modulating treatments in EBA and related autoimmune skin blistering diseases. 

The results of the thesis have been published (J Autoimmun 2013 and J Immunol 2014). Unni Samavedam received his degree in 2013.